Could an arthritis drug shrink dangerous brain aneurysms?

NCT ID NCT02638701

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This study tests whether infliximab (Remicade), a drug used for arthritis and other inflammatory conditions, can shrink a specific type of brain aneurysm called a dolichoectactic vertebrobasilar (DVB) aneurysm. These aneurysms are difficult to treat with surgery or stents, and they carry a risk of stroke or bleeding. The trial involves giving infliximab intravenously to a small group of adults whose aneurysms cannot be treated with standard procedures, and measuring changes in aneurysm size and blood flow over 12 months.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance

infliximab (Remicade)

What this could lead to

If it works, this could offer a non-surgical treatment option for people with difficult-to-treat brain aneurysms, potentially reducing the risk of stroke or bleeding.

What could go wrong

This is a very small, early-phase trial (8 people) testing a drug not originally designed for aneurysms. It may not shrink the aneurysm or prevent complications, and infliximab can have side effects like increased infection risk.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

Aneurysm stroke disorder vasculitis

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

Contacts and locations

Study contacts

  • Contact

    Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

  • Contact

    Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

Locations

  • UCSF Medical Center

    RECRUITING

    San Francisco, California, 94143, United States

    Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

    Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••